Apprentice Operator Review

I am an apprentice network technician as part of the Operator Apprenticeship. Each month I attend college for 2 weeks and then I work on site for 2 weeks. Om site, I am based at Finham, Warwickshire.I work as part of a team on the waste water network that is responsible for Warwickshire's network. Day to day interactions range from customer meetings, resolving issues with blocked drains and sewers to locating pollution's and many other waste water issues. When I am at college half of the course is learning basic maintenance, electrical and instrumentation skills. These are all practical and useful skills to learn. One example would be, dissembling and assembling a water pump. The other half of the course, is learning about the processes in water and wastewater treatments. An example would be learning the processes that turn river water into wholesome potable drinking water.

I have learned a lot about the water and wastewater treatments, which is an invaluable skill, as water is humanities most vital resource. I have also developed my basic knowledge of maintenance, instrumentation and electrics.

I have really enjoyed my time so far on the Apprenticeship and have learnt a lot about both treatment processes.

I feel very valued by Severn Trent and feel that there is a lot of opportunity in my future career.

This year Severn Trent took on 80 apprentices, the biggest intake they have ever had and I feel that structure and organisation of the course at the start of the apprenticeship suffered because of this. Now that the first year is in full swing the structure and organisation is improving, however there is still room for improvement.

We have two training providers,the college (EEF) and a company called Merit skills, who focus on the water industry. The EEF tutors are very experienced and are good at explaining the practical application of skills. The Merit Skills Tutors are seasoned veterans of the water industry. One of the younger tutors , Stephen Smyth, always delivers interactive and engaging lessons in which you don't just gain knowledge, you are also taught to apply it in a real world situations for example in case studies.

Severn Trent can provide a lot of support however because of the previously mentioned early organisation problems, sometimes it can be hard to receive this support. From my colleagues in my waste network team I receive a lot of mentoring and learn invaluable knowledge from them. My Co-workers are very patient and methodical in there explanations and are always happy to answer my questions. So overall there is a lot support available but it can be difficult to receive this support from people who you are not in direct contact with.

For an Apprenticeship the whole package is excellent. You receive education, gain a qualification, board and meals and travel expenses. There is also great pension and share schemes.

There is a lot of opportunities to socialise with other apprentices and co-workers. Severn Trent work very closely with the charity Water Aid.

Yes

The package benefits. Interesting role. Rewarding career. Progression opportunities

Research the water industry and Severn Trent. Show enthusiasm. Health and Safety is paramount. Think outside the box. Don't be afraid to ask questions.